Usually we have to wait until November to hear Scott Boras oversell his free agent clients, but we have an early preview for Jacoby Ellsbury:
“He has shown he can hit .300 in the big leagues, not once but twice,” Boras, Ellsbury’s agent, told ESPNBoston.com. “He’s at a point in his career he’s proven he can be a No. 3-hitter type of guy, with power. He’s a premium center fielder. Everywhere I go, they all ask. That’s all I can say. You’re talking about teams really coveting this player.”
I like Ellsbury, so don’t consider this hate or anything. But let’s be honest: he showed “power” in exactly one season. Indeed, he’s been an above-average major league hitter (based on OPS+ anyway) exactly once in a full season. And, because of injuries, he’s played only three full seasons.
Now, assuming he’s healthy after his current maladies subside, sure, he’s worth a lot of money because of his speed, his defense and his obvious offensive potential. But let’s not pretend that Ellsbury is some sure-shot, top-shelf free agent talent.